Action Against Syria Doesn’t Find Much Support In OK
Oklahoma delegates show little appetite for attack on Syria
BY RANDY KREHBIEL World Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
OWASSO – U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Okla., said Tuesday that he will listen to the Obama administration’s arguments for intervention in Syria but is skeptical that he can be convinced.
“If we (Congress) are going to authorize the use of military force, that authorization requires the president to make a case for what America’s national security interests are in Syria,” the 1st District congressman told about 60 people at the Bailey Golf Ranch Clubhouse. “Beyond making a case that we have a national security interest in Syria, he has to clearly define what our strategic objectives are.
“Right now, I’ve got to tell you, I’m not convinced a limited cruise missile strike is going to accomplish any strategic objectives, and I’m not convinced, quite frankly, that we have any national security interests in Syria.”
Nevertheless, Bridenstine said he is “not ruling anything out, … but unless he (President Barack Obama) can convince me there is some national security interest or that this meets some strategic objective, I’m not going to be voting for it.”